Despite its many attractions, Centro is one of the least well-trodden regions of Portugal. Near the Spanish border lies the Geopark Naturtejo, containing lakes, museums and one of the country's biggest networks of footpaths, covering the park's fossils, mines and ravines. The Geopark, which brings together the municipalities of Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Nisa, Oleiros, Proença-a-Nova and Vila Velha de Ródão, is the first in Portugal to be accepted as part of Unesco's Global Geopark Network.
Treeking, Paul da Serra - Santa Luzia, photo by Paulo Magalhães
In the green countryside lying between the Dão and Mondego rivers, vineyards cling close to manors and stately homes, while along the Bairrada route there are spas at Luso and Curia and the royal palace hotel of Buçaco, a haven for walkers and witness to the battles of the peninsular wars against Napoleon's armies.
There are also several hiking trails through the Serra da Estrela which pass through some historic villages, notably Linhares da Beira and the traditional settlement of Sabugeiro.
There are also some good walks in the city of Coimbra and one route in particular by revisits the city’s Jewish past. Start your walk on the Rua Corpo de Deus in the Judiaria Velha, Coimbra’s first and oldest Jewish quarter dating back to before 1139. Then, head to Rua Direita and Largo da Freiria, which make up the Judiaria Nova, the newer Jewish quarter established in the second half of the 14th century. Continue on to the Fonte Nova that was built in 1725 on Rua Olímpio Nicolau Fernandes, before paying the University of Coimbra, a quick visit. Several famous Jewish professors taught there including Pedro Nunes, and mathematician and astrologer André de Avelar and it is possible to see their work at the Joanina Library.
ATOP members: Destination Portugal, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays
